Comparing Wal-Mart/Publix prices to Michigan's

[eliewriter]

I'm hoping some frequent Disney travelers from Michigan can help me with this question.

Since we're shipping a box down for our stay (near Poinciana Blvd/Irlo Bronson 192), I'd like to somewhat plan in advance to pick up cheaper (lightweight) items here in Michigan and purchase only the rest there.

I understand there's a Wal-Mart and Publix grocery store nearby. Any idea how their prices compare to southeast Michigan?

We don't have a Publix in our area and I don't know if Wal-Mart prices remain consistent from store to store or if they vary based on property values, demand, etc.). Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[dgaston]

Don't know Michigan prices -- the Publix is very close to what I pay at Stop n Shop here in CT. In FL I find Walmart sometimes cheaper than Publix, but with much less selection (I love Publix's deli with Boar Head meats).

You can see the flyer from Publix online at www.publix.com Maybe that'll help.

 

[Brian Noble]

I don't recall Publix or WalMart prices being notably more compared to here, but I don't pay to much attention. I don't ever recall being taken aback, though.

 

[Puget Peach]

I generally shop at the Super Target on Irlo Bronson. Prices are comparable to Walmart but the store is more pleasant. They are not open 24/7 though. I always get the store sale flyers online right before I go . If I have a car I shop once I'm there or, if not, I send my list to Wegoshop.com and Marge Peck shops for me for a very modest fee . And she's a stickler when it come to advertised specials, insisting the store substitute if they are out of something!

 

[eliewriter]

Thanks, all, for the good ideas. I plan to check them all out!

 

[dioxide45]

I would think that any savings you would get by buying at home in MI would be negated by shipping costs unless you are sending only a few items. We find the Super Wal-Mart to be priced about what ours here in Ohio is. Some items are cheaper, some are more expensive. Publix in FL is far more expensive in Orlando that Wal-Mart. I would compare it to Kroger here at home, though with slightly higher prices.

Some examples:
Tea bags were about 25% cheaper in FL
Velveeta was about 15% cheaper in FL
Milk and butter was higher.
We also found that soda doesn't come in 12 pack cases. Only 8 and then maybe 24 . The 8 pack is equal in price to our 12 pack at home.

 

[dogodisney]

Publix sometimes has some really good buy1 get1 free sales. Actually you only have to buy 1 item to get it at 50% off. I would suggest that you check out Publix's website before you leave (check for the ad at the store you plan to go to) and see if they have what you want on sale. If they don't you may do better going somewhere else. Their regular prices on some things can be pretty high but it will depend on what you want to get.

 

[alice99]

(I love Publix's deli with Boar Head meats).

That's great info. I was never able to find Boars Head, Thanks.

Eliewriter - I think it makes more sense just to purchase when you get there. The shipping cost is going to eat up your savings anyway. Walmart is cheap enough that a few pennies wouldn't make much difference. It sounds like you are going to a store anyway . It would be different if you were stranded on property, with no outside transportation. I wouldn't ship at all.

 

[eliewriter]

Thanks, I'm glad to hear that some prices may be a better deal!

We're shipping a few things anyway since we're not going to be checking any luggage and sending only lightweight items or small amounts of some items that we would have to either ship home or have go to waste, e.g. soy sauce, olive oil, seasonings, parchment paper, foil pouch of smoked salmon, etc.

I don't want to deal with explaining liquids at the airport so I figure sending a little won't be too bad. I checked shipping prices on the USPS site and if we send a reasonably-sized box parcel post, it will cost the same as checking one bag one way.

Also I'm not crazy about grocery shopping, especially in an unfamiliar store. To me it's very frustrating to waste time looking all over for some item placed in some odd spot, such as coffee filters. I'd much rather set aside a box and toss a few in as I think about it! On the other hand, if some items such as the salmon are relatively easy to find there and the same price as here, I'll just save space in the box for other things.

Thanks, all, for your help on this!

 

[prncess674]

Are you driving or flying? If you are flying, are you renting a car? If you won't have your own transportation shipping could be more of an option considering you would have to put taxi costs into the equation.

 

[eliewriter]

We're flying and renting a car so it's not a problem to go to a store. Just don't want to contend with a ton of traffic or spend too much time shopping or spend a ton on groceries when we can ship the lightweight stuff.

 

[alice99]

Not that this is very appealing, but the first morning we are there, I wake up early and go to Walmart @ 6:30 am and get the groceries. I hate to spend vacation time shopping also.
It is absolutely my least favorite part of the trip, but it's gotta get done.

Sometimes we drive, then I bring almost everything in a large rubbermaid container, bottled water , etc.. Only buying milk, butter, cold cuts, etc.... when I get there.

 

[eliewriter]

Not that this is very appealing, but the first morning we are there, I wake up early and go to Walmart @ 6:30 am and get the groceries. I hate to spend vacation time shopping also.
It is absolutely my least favorite part of the trip, but it's gotta get done.

Sometimes we drive, then I bring almost everything in a large rubbermaid container, bottled water , etc.. Only buying milk, butter, cold cuts, etc.... when I get there.

Someday I'm going to drive there. That's a whole other adventure to see everything along I-75!

I like the idea of going during the off-hours. I was thinking of squeezing in a shopping trip our first evening there or taking off around lunchtime the second day but maybe we should head there before Disney opens or after they close, if any of the stores are open 24/7.

One shopping trip I do think will be enjoyable is the Celebration farmer's market. We're taking that Sunday off Disney anyway to go to a spring training game so I think we'll head to the market that morning. Much more fun than trying to decipher a grocery store layout! : )